Complete Noob

Greets all. I'm a complete bike noob that found himself in possession of an 82-ish XJ550 (I think). A coworker's son bought it and abandoned it in her garage, and she wanted it gone. I'm into it for about $100, and trying to decide if I can get it running and do something cool. Originally, I was going to go with a cafe racer style build, and then I discovered a scrambler was more my style.
This is my first experience with a bike, but I'm a long time Jeep/Offroad guy.

Here are some pics to start with. I'm sure I'll have about a million questions as I go. Currently I need to get the carbs mounted and ensure they are functional, source some down pipes for the exhaust. I also don't have keys, so I may need to get a donor harness, or modify/update/replace parts to allow for starting.

 

you have a 1981 XJ550 also called XJ550H it is a Maxim
Your Full VIN Numer is JYA5K5005BA011954

does it have a full vin on white sticker on fork stem tube? you want to make sure you can get it registered before going any deeper into bike

first work on getting it running
valve shim check and compression test.
a cleaning of the carbs should get it running.
you should clean any connectors related to starting system and ignition system including fuse box replacment inline fuses or a new block
then brake system rebuild

I would recomend getting it running then making it safe ride it as a stock bike before starting any mods to see if it is worth your time and money to modify.

I see the handle bars are painted you will have to add a ground wire to the starter button at main harness connection to get starter to turn , unless the po scraped the paint off of the handle bars to get a ground for the starter button circuit

I see your missing front fender and chain guard. carbs and air box have been removed find and replace airbox

 

While the carbs are off, taken them to the Church of Clean. They are the most tedious component and a common cause of starting/running issues.

 

get out your 10mm socket and a few extentions and remove the ignition lock from underneath there should be a tag with key number on bottom of lock .

with the number you can get a new key for about 10$ from a guy on ebay who cuts them from number . also a guy who sells 2 keys for 20$ cut from numbers.
I would get 2 keys. a blank key will cost 10$ so either of the choices is worth the cash

 

Awesome thank you. I've already ordered a Clymer manual for the bike in order to learn how it's supposed to be put together, rather than half arse it. While I wait, I'm watching as much youtube as I possibly can on the bike and similar models to gain as much of an understanding as possible.

 

check out our
XJ DIY How-To Instructions

Bigfitz's AIRHEAD VALVE ADJUSTMENT with Pics - parts I & II